In 1915 I was, and had been for many years, a hospital nurse. In a home where I was nursing the conversation turned one evening after dinner to Christian Science. The thought was voiced that it might help in nervous troubles but not in other diseases, and my opinion was asked. Never having read the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, I could give no answer, and the discussion went on. On returning to Paris, I borrowed the book. I had attended the Wednesday evening testimony meetings once or twice with a friend, but all seemed so strange it did not appeal to me.
I was bound by two chronic complaints for which everything had been tried without success; and I now realize that I had come to accept them as incurable, and just to be made the best of. Many weary weeks were spent each year in bed with severe attacks of bronchitis, and much misery and suffering was caused by constipation and its attendant ills, which had been getting worse and worse since childhood. During the reading of the book, I woke one morning to find myself in the grip of a bad attack of bronchitis. I decided that now was the moment to try Christian Science, so I telephoned to a dear practitioner I had met, who lovingly promised to help me. Feeling I must do my part, but not knowing quite what to do, I dressed and walked down to the Reading Room of the church I had attended, and spent the afternoon reading. Just before I left, the practitioner came in and gave me a few reassuring words. That was the end of the bronchitis: I have been quite free ever since. I spent five years at the front, and was not off duty one day through illness. The constipation left me before I had finished reading Science and Health. With the constipation went days of darkness and despair during which I was haunted by the fear of becoming helpless and dependent on strangers. I am now a happy and healthy woman.
Only those who have suffered as I did can know how grateful I am to our devoted Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, for her wonderful courage and loyalty, and that in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties and opposition she stood firm at the post and gave that wonderful book, Science and Health, to the world.
